Motor carriers operating CMVs over 10,000 lbs. MGVWR, transporting hazardous materials (HM) in placardable quantities, or transporting passengers are mandated to record accidents on a register by calendar year as defined in 49 CFR 390.51. Even if no accidents occurred, an accident register is required.

Firstly, let's establish the definition of an accident according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety regulations: An occurrence involving a commercial motor vehicle (>10,000 lbs MGVWR, HM, or Passengers) operating on a highway in interstate or intrastate commerce that results in:

1. A fatality;
2. Bodily injury to a person requiring immediate medical treatment away from the scene.
3. One or more motor vehicles incurring disabling damage, requiring towing away from the scene.

The term "accident" does not include:

1. Boarding and alighting from a stationary motor vehicle.
2. Loading or unloading of cargo.

When an accident occurs, it must be recorded on an accident register with the following information:

1. Date of accident.
2. City or town and State where the accident occurred.
3. Driver Name.
4. Number of injuries.
5. Number of fatalities.
6. Whether hazardous materials, other than fuel from the vehicle's tanks, were released.

Motor carriers must maintain the accident register for three years and also keep copies of required accident reports from State or other entities or insurers. The register is not sent to the FMCSA or State but is kept for review during compliance reviews or investigations.

As a best practice, motor carriers are recommended to maintain two accident registers by calendar year:

1. DOT recordable accidents only.
2. Non-DOT recordable accidents.

This practice helps provide the FMCSA with requested information during a compliance review. A second register with all accidents allows for proactive analysis and training to reduce frequency. Accident registers can be kept electronically, with a hard copy available for the FMCSA upon request.

To ensure register accuracy with the FMCSA, view recordable accidents on the FMCSA Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) Safety Measurement System (SMS) at FMCSA SMS.

For accidents involving the release of hazardous materials, carriers must complete a hazardous incident report (see 49 CFR 171.15 and 49 CFR 171.16). The accident registers can be kept in either paper or electronic format.

Winter Safety Tips for Drivers and Vehicles

Protecting Your Driver:

Cold weather poses risks of hypothermia and frostbite. To prevent hypothermia, take these precautions:

• Wear layers of warm, loose-fitting clothes, especially those that wick moisture.
• Use gloves and knit caps for heat retention.
• Change wet clothing promptly.
• Keep an emergency kit with a change of clothes, a blanket, hand warmers, and snacks.
• Consume hot, nutritious meals and stay hydrated.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages.
• Ensure communication for drivers in case of breakdowns in rural areas.

Prescription drugs may increase sensitivity to cold; consult with a healthcare professional.

Frostbite prevention:

• Shield skin from cold air and extreme temperatures.
• Recognize frostbite symptoms like skin color changes, numbness, and stiffness.

Protecting the Truck:

1. Add diesel supplement to ultra-low sulfur diesel below 32°F.
2. Plug in the engine block heater below 32°F; start unused trucks daily.
3. Follow a startup procedure for optimal engine performance.
4. Purge air tanks daily for trucks with air brakes.
5. Apply brakes lightly in wintry conditions before parking to prevent freezing.
6. Maintain full windshield washer solvent and clean windows.
7. Remove ice-snow build-up from steps and grab handles.
8. Use the 3-point method for entering/exiting the cab.
9. Avoid parking in areas prone to snow accumulation, preventing roof collapse.

Handling Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) in Cold Months:

The winter season brings unique challenges for equipment using diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). Comprising a blend of technically pure urea and purified water, DEF freezes at 11 degrees Fahrenheit and -11 degrees Celsius. Proper maintenance and dispensing are essential to uphold its quality, according to the American Petroleum Institute. Similar to water, DEF expands by up to 7% when frozen, posing a risk of damage to the storage tank if it is at or near full capacity during freezing conditions. It is advisable to keep the DEF tank less than full in cold temperatures to mitigate potential issues.

Chains for Winter Operations:

If you are driving in a state that mandates carrying chains, ensure they are of the right size, securely fastened, clean, and free from damage for easy application when needed. If you're uncertain about your state's chain laws, visit:

State Chain Laws Reference